EPA Region 8 welcomes class of 2006 Energy Star Buildings

Fifty buildings in four states recognized for superior energy and environmental performance include schools, offices and federal facilities

{Denver, Colo. - 02/07/07} The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 today welcomed 50 buildings to the 2006 Class of Energy Star-Qualified Buildings, a program for top-performing buildings that have made powerful cuts to their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

“I applaud these buildings for being America’s energy all-stars," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Whether you are running a grocery store, a school, or an office building, getting the most out of your energy dollars — while reducing your carbon footprint — just makes sense.”

The new buildings announced today join more than 3,200 top-performing buildings across the nation that have earned the Energy Star for powerful cuts to their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

The top-performing buildings that earned the Energy Star in 2006 include about 320 supermarkets, 320 office buildings, and 200 K-12 schools. Almost 90 banks, courthouses, financial centers, hospitals, hotels, and — for the first time — dormitories also earned the Energy Star, the most recognized national symbol for energy efficiency.

Collectively, these award-winning buildings represent almost 575 million square feet, save an estimated $600 million annually in lower energy bills, and prevent almost 11 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equal to emissions from almost 900,000 vehicles.

America’s desire for environmentally friendly buildings is growing, and superior energy efficiency is a critical element of green building. Buildings that earn the Energy Star are the top performers for energy efficiency nationwide. In fact, buildings that earn the Energy Star use about 35 percent less energy than average buildings.

Commercial buildings account for almost 18 percent of our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Building owners earn the Energy Star by scoring in the top 25 percent on EPA’s energy performance rating system, which calculates scores based on actual energy use. With interest in energy efficiency growing, Energy Star offers easy-to-use tools and guidelines that can help building owners and managers realize significant energy and dollar savings.

EPA started the Energy Star program in 1992, a government-backed program that helps businesses and consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Last year alone, American consumers and businesses, with the help of all Energy Star brands, saved $12 billion and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from 23 million vehicles.